Well it's been 3.5 years since I bought Lucky, finally undercover and on concrete. Started deconstruction last weekend. Found a few issues in the trunk to say the least, but we don't have problems we have opportunities. Certain I'm going to picking all your brains during the process of bringing her back to life.

Wow - you certainly have some fun times ahead of you. Your trunk floor is in way better condition than mine when I got it - it was actually completely gone. Check Ames for replacement panels. I had a professional fashion new sheetmetal to replace the floor. He expertly replicated all the swage lines and whatnot and did a superb job but it cost me many thousands. I ate baked beans & drank tap water for 3 years, but at least the car is happy. Good luck!

I think this is an interesting project. I can’t wait to hear the story of this car and hear your future adventures in rust repair, tetanus shots, and cussing like a sailor! 
 

we are all happy to help! Ask away!

Edited September 15, 20241 yr by Frosty

Welcome 

let us know if you have any questions 

these cars are sooo much fun to work on 

Well here is the first one, posted it on how to.....

"So deconstruction unearthed a pretty roached out trunk. Already found 62 Bonne trunk floor panels, unfortunately it doesn't look like the gas tank supports/braces can be saved. Can't seem to find 62 Bonne specific, what other GM would work as a substitute? Thanks to everyone in advance for your help and support."

I would look to any early 60s era Chevy gas tank straps if you can’t find a Pontiac specific replacement.

Speedway motors claims to have 61-64 GM full straps. 
 

Gas Tank Depot has 61-64 Catalina gas tank straps, those should fit the Bonneville.

 

I've been collecting parts for 3 years so hopefully am pretty prepared, I have a new gas tank and straps, it's the supports that hold the floor panels and tank that I think I'll have to find an alternative for, 62 Impala, Biscayne.... Not sure which would be the closest 

Welcome, can't wait to see your progress!

7 hours ago, Untalented_Amateur said:

I've been collecting parts for 3 years so hopefully am pretty prepared, I have a new gas tank and straps, it's the supports that hold the floor panels and tank that I think I'll have to find an alternative for, 62 Impala, Biscayne.... Not sure which would be the closest 

Thanks for clarifying! My answer is still the same, look to a similar era Chevy part if a Pontiac specific piece is not available. Most Chevy parts are reproduced. Structural speaking, these cars should be the same.

Get the actual, no kidding paper catalogs for places like Ames (previously mentioned by Fitzy), Classic Industries, Original Parts Group, etc.  Also, check the Auto Metal Direct web site. They will have your metal.  I'm using a mid 60's Chevy Biscayne fuel tank from Tanks, Inc. and a different B-body driver's floor pan patch panel corner in my 70 Catalina convertible. These oddball, non Pontiac parts have worked well.

If you cut into the floor pans or trunk pans . . . . STOP!! Look under the car first to see where their support braces are.  Drill a pattern of holes upward from beneath the car that trace the shape of the floor support braces - use these holes from above to limit the travel of your reciprocating saw . You will DESPISE YOURSELF if you cut through a perfectly good floor support brace.  Then get after cutting through the spot welds.

Be a little cautious as you cut metal here.  You will need some cross-vehicle bracing to preserve the currently correct panel geometry or you will have great difficulty getting the body panels to align with the correct gaps.   The ripple effects of possible distortion in the body are many. 

Use eye protection here . . . . ALL THE TIME.  Keep a fire extinguisher handy.  And have fun. We are here to help and enjoy the work along with you!!

Edit:  And Hey!! You are not allowed to keep secrets around here.  What is the vehicle off to the left in the second picture?

Rick

Hey Rick,

Thanks for the response, I will get on getting hold of the paper catalogs, unfortunately and scarily I think I the trunk is a little beyond being careful with, I certainly need to try and see what's left of the support bracket profile once I get what's left of the fuel tank out of the way, and try and match as close as possible. Do some sketches, take some measurements before I start cutting out the rust. This is a little daunting!!